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Texas Declared Major Disaster Area

The White House has declared a major disaster exists in the State of Texas in the areas affected by severe storms and deadly flooding beginning on May 26, 2016, and continuing.

Federal funding have reportedly been made available to affected individuals in Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Travis, Waller, and Washington counties. “Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.”

Federal funding also is available to the state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures in Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Travis, Waller, and Washington counties.

Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas said damage surveys were continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.

On Friday, May 27th, Abbott elevated the activation level of the State Operations Center (SOC) in Austin and continues to urge all Texans to stay on high alert and immediately heed any warnings from their local officials related to this severe flood threat.

“As our state continues to face waves of severe weather and potential flooding, it is crucial that Texans remain vigilant and heed warnings and any evacuation notices from local officials in their areas,” said Abbott. “The State of Texas stands ready to assist all counties affected by severe weather and has dedicated the resources necessary to ensure the safety of those at risk. I would like to thank the first responders who have rescued residents from rising waters and ask all Texans to keep those affected in their thoughts and prayers.”

Evacuations were ordered for areas in two towns in Fort Bend County, about 50km southwest of Houston, after Brazos River rose to historic levels.

Meanwhile, up to 25 cm of rain is forecast for the Houston over the next few days, said NWS, exacerbating the deadly flood conditions that have claimed about a dozen lives, and caused substantial damage in the metro area.

Most of the state is under Flash Flood Warning, Flood Warning, or Flash Flood Watch, as of posting.

“Potential 100-year flood” could inundate hundreds of homes Tuesday

Severe flooding, triggered by extreme rain events, has killed at least six people and left four others were missing in Texas and Kansas.

Most of the deaths occurred in Washington County (Texas), between Austin and Houston, where 420mm of rain fell in some places since late Friday, said local reports.

Harris County officials warned residents to areas flooded by the Spring Creek and the San Jacinto River, and “asked about 750 families in the Northwood Pines Subdivision and the Park at Northgate Apartments to voluntarily evacuate their homes and to stay out until the flooding threat had subsided,” said a report.

Some 800 other families were ordered to evacuate from the city of Simonton in Fort Bend County, where the rising Brazos River is expected to cause flooding in the next few days.

Officials at two prisons near Houston were moving about 2,600 inmates at the Terrell and Stringfellow Units in Rosharon, about 45km south of Houston, fearing that the Brazos River could flood the units.

Fort Bend County officials have warned residents of “potential 100-year flood” that could inundate hundreds of homes on Tuesday, including those as far as 8km away from the Brazos River.

Texas Declared Federal Disaster Area

The federal government has declared a major disaster exists in the State of Texas in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding during the period of April 17-24, 2016.

The areas that are worst affected include the counties of Fayette, Grimes, Harris, and Parker.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide, according to the official declaration.

Damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated subject to the assessments.

Federal Disaster Declarations (2015)

The federal government proclaimed 43 Major Disaster Declaration [DR 4205-4247] for a U.S. state/tribal area/territory in 2015, two Emergency Declarations, EM-3372 and EM-3373 and 34 Fire Management Assistance Declarations [FM-5084 to FM-5117.]

USDA has designated a total of 28 counties in Texas and Oklahoma as crop disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by excessive rain and moisture that occurred from Oct. 23, 2015, through Jan. 10, 2016. Those counties are:

Extreme weather events and severe flooding that began on April 17, 2016, and that continues, has caused a disaster in Austin, Bastrop, Colorado, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Montgomery, Waller and Wharton counties, said Texas Gov., proclaiming a state of disaster for those areas.

At least a half dozen people have died in weather-related incidents.

NWS forecasters have warned rivers would crest later this week, flooding downstream areas.

More heavy rain will occur across the central and southern Plains, causing a risk for flash flood and river flooding. Severe storms and an isolated tornado are possible across south Texas. Snow will continue over parts of the Central Rockies and the Northern/Central High Plains. Additional heavy accumulations are possible. [NWS]

The White House has declared a major disaster exists in the state of Texas in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding beginning on March 7, 2016, and continuing.

Areas that have sustained severe damage include Jasper, Newton, and Orange counties.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments, said the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

Federal Disaster Declarations (2015)

The federal government proclaimed 43 Major Disaster Declaration [DR 4205-4247] for a U.S. state/tribal area/territory in 2015, two Emergency Declarations, EM-3372 and EM-3373 and 34 Fire Management Assistance Declarations [FM-5084 to FM-5117.]

Thousands of Homes Damaged or Destroyed in Historic Southern US Flooding

Flooding along the Sabine River, the natural border between Texas and Louisiana, has forced hundreds of people to abandon their homes, prompting Texas Gov. Abbott to declare state of disaster for 17 eastern and southeastern counties.

In Louisiana, more than 6,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed by flooding across the state, forcing about 5,000 people to evacuate.

Flooding has also severely affected Mississippi and Arkansas over the past several days.

About 1,000 homes in Mississippi have been damaged or destroyed.

Rising floodwaters have also forced sections of interstates 10 and 59 to close, causing major disruptions throughout the region.

Federal Disaster Declared in the State of Texas

The White House has declared a major disaster exists in the State of Texas in the areas affected by severe winter storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of December 26, 2015 to January 21, 2016.

Additionally, federal funding has also been made available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments, said the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

Federal Disaster Declarations (2015)

The federal government proclaimed 43 Major Disaster Declaration [DR 4205-4247] for a U.S. state/tribal area/territory in 2015, two Emergency Declarations, EM-3372 and EM-3373 and 34 Fire Management Assistance Declarations [FM-5084 to FM-5117.]

Zika virus acquired through sexual transmission —Texas Officials

Health officials have confirmed that a person in Dallas County, Texas, contracted the Zika virus through sexual contact, the first such case reported in the continental United States.

The patient in Texas was infected after having sex with their partner who had returned from Venezuela, according to reports.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier released the following statement:

CDC has confirmed through laboratory testing the first U.S. case of Zika virus infection in a non-traveler in the continental United States. According to a Dallas County Health Department investigation, a person who recently traveled to an area with Zika virus transmission returned to the United States and developed Zika-like symptoms. The person later tested positive for Zika, along with their sexual partner, who had not traveled to the area. In this instance there was no risk to a developing fetus.

“Based on what we know now, the best way to avoid Zika virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites. We do not have definitive information on the infectious time period, and will provide more guidance for individuals and clinicians as we learn more. Sexual partners can protect themselves by using condoms to prevent spreading sexually transmitted infections. People who have Zika virus infection can protect others by preventing additional mosquito bites.

Two confirmed cases of Zika virus reported in Ireland

Meanwhile, two cases of ZIKV infection have been reported in Ireland, which are being investigated by The Health Service Executive (HSE), said a report.

Death toll from a week of severe weather in the southern United States has now climbed to at least 26, with hundreds of homes destroyed or damaged by tornadoes, and flooding.

At least 6 tornadoes touched down in Dallas, Ellis and McClain counties on Saturday, according to the reports received by the storm prediction Center.

Meanwhile, forecasters have warned a “historic blizzard” could hit Texas and Oklahoma with up to 41cm of snow.

Dangerous Weather Continues Through Sunday Across the Middle of the Country

A variety of dangerous weather conditions will continue across the middle of the country through Sunday. Blizzard conditions will stretch from the High Plains of west Texas into northwest Oklahoma and Kansas. Hazardous ice accumulations will occur in Oklahoma. Dangerous flooding will extend from north Texas to central Illinois. Thunderstorms and a few tornadoes are possible in Texas. [NWS]

UK homes evacuated after ‘unprecedented’ flooding

Police have advised hundreds of people to evacuate near the River Ouse and River Foss in York, as floods threaten thousands of properties, said a report.

Hundreds of flood alerts and warnings are in place for England, Wales and Scotland, including more than 20 severe warnings—indicating danger to life.

UK PM David Cameron has called the flooding “unprecedented” and the situation for many as “incredibly serious” in an emergency conference call, promising more troops.

Super gonorrhea ‘could become untreatable’

“Gonorrhea is at risk of becoming an untreatable disease due to the continuing emergence of antimicrobial resistance,” the UK Chief Medical Officer has warned.

The warning follows the detection of a highly drug-resistant strain of the infection in the north of England in March.

The strain can resist the antibiotic azithromycin, which is normally used alongside another drug, ceftriaxone.

The bacteria that cause gonorrhea can mutate and develop new resistance, so we cannot afford to be complacent, said a UK health official.

“This azithromycin highly resistant outbreak is the first one that has triggered a national alert,” a consultant in sexual health based in Bristol, told the BBC News website.

“If this becomes the predominant strain in the UK we’re in big trouble, so we have to be really meticulous in making sure each of these individuals has all their contacts traced and treated.”

In 2011, Japan reported a case of complete resistance to cephalosporin-class antibiotics, which included the main treatment ceftriaxone.

About 35,000 cases of gonorrhea were reported in England in 2014, an increase of almost 20% compared with the previous year. It is the second most common sexually transmitted disease in the UK after chlamydia.

Emergency declared as train carrying sulfuric acid derails in NW QLD

A freight train carrying 200,000 liters of sulfuric acid has derailed east of Julia Creek in NW Queensland, Australia.

The locomotive and all 26 carriages derailed at 10:20am about 20km east of the outback town, prompting authorities to declare an emergency and impose a two-kilometer exclusion zone around the crash site.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecast “Significant accumulations of ice and snow will bring dangerous travel conditions and potential power outages to portions of New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. Further east, heavy rain could cause river and flash flooding across the Southern Plains, through the holiday weekend.

Extreme Weather Disasters in Texas

Earlier this month, two days of extreme weather, with tornadoes and flooding, left at least six people dead across the state. More…

In July, he extended the May disaster declaration, following the severe weather, tornado and flooding event that began on May 4, 2015, to include 122 counties.

On October 13, 2015, Abbott declared disaster in Bastrop County after devastating wildfires.

Record Federal Disaster Declarations

A Major Disaster Declaration was declared for the state of Texas on November 25, 2015 following the earlier damage and loss caused by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding in the counties of Bastrop, Brazoria, Caldwell, Comal, Galveston, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Hays, Hidalgo, Liberty, Navarro, Travis, Willacy, and Wilson during the period of October 22-31, 2015.

Some 339 Major Disaster Declarations (since 1953), Emergency Declarations (since 1993) and Fire Management Assistance Declarations (since 1988) have been declared for Texas, the highest total for any state.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments, federal officials said.

Some 90 Major Disasters Declaration have been declared for the state of Texas since 1953.

Federal Disaster Declarations (2015)

The federal government has proclaimed 41 Major Disaster Declaration [DR 4205-4245] for a U.S. state/tribal area/territory so far this year. Additionally, the government has issued two Emergency Declarations, EM-3372 and EM-3373, and 34 Fire Management Assistance Declarations, [FM-5084 to FM-5117] for the year to date.

Gov. of Texas Declares Disaster In Bastrop County

Texas Governor Abbott has declared a Disaster in Bastrop County, near Austin, after a wildfire consumed nearly 20 square kilometers, destroying dozens of homes and other structures, and forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes.

The Hidden Pines Fire wildfire in Smithville threatens more than 150 homes, as well as dozens of other structures, and was reportedly 25 percent contained as of posting.

The Hidden Pines Fire wildfire in Smithville, Bastrop County, about 45 miles east of Austin, Texas has consumed about 4,500 acres, destroying a dozen homes, and threatening hundreds more, according to local reports.

“Buescher State Park and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center campus in Smithville remained closed after being evacuated Tuesday,” said a report.

In 2011, the worst fire in the state history consumed more than 30,000 acres, destroying more than 1,200 homes.

Drought destroys crops in dozens of counties across four States

Drought has destroyed at least 30 percent of the crops in 78 counties and parishes across the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas, reported USDA.

Drought Crop Disaster Areas – Disaster Designations #1
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated a total of 39 counties and parishes in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas as crop disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought. Those counties are:

Drought Crop Disaster Areas – Disaster Designations #3
USDA has designated a total of 14 counties and parishes in Arkansas and Louisiana as crop disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought. Those counties are:

June 2015 2nd warmest in contiguous U.S., West saw record warmth, drought worsened in Northwest: NOAA

The June average temperature for the Lower 48 was 22°C (71.4°F), or 1.6°C (2.9°F) above the 20th century average, second only to June 1933 (71.6°F) in the 121-year period of record, reported The National Climatic Data Center .

Above-average temperatures recorded across the West and along the Southeast coast, where 16 states were much warmer than average.

California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Washington recorded their warmest June.

Multiple western cities set new June temperature records during an intense heatwave the second half of the month.

Boise, Idaho saw the temperature soaring to 43.3C (110°F).

The Alaska statewide average temperature for June was the sixth warmest in 91-years of record keeping at 52.4°F, 3.1°F above average. Homer, Alaska had its warmest June on record. Prolonged warmth and dryness and lack of June snow created ideal wildfire conditions with dozens of large wildfires impacting central and southern areas of the state during June.

“The U.S. Climate Extremes Index (USCEI) for the year-to-date was 45 percent above average and the 13th highest value on record. On the national-scale, extremes in warm maximum and minimum temperatures and days with precipitation were much above average,” said NCDC.

More than 400 wildfires consumed 1.8 million acres (728,000 hectares), breaking the previous June record of 1.1 million acres (445,000 hectares) charred by 216 fires, said the report.

Texas had its wettest year-to-date on record with 61.1mm (24.04 inches), 27.2mm (10.70 inches) above average.

Previous record wet January-June record in 1941: 55.2mm (21.72 inches)

January-June precipitation total for 2011: Just 14.5mm (5.71 inches), the lowest amount on 121-year record.

California: Drought conditions remain dire across California, with 46.7 percent of the state experiencing the worst category of drought (D4, exceptional).

Federal Disaster Declaration extended to 18 additional counties

The Presidential Disaster Declaration for the state of Texas, which was issued on May 29th, has been amended to include the following counties: Bastrop, Blanco, Caldwell, Denton, Eastland, Fort Bend, Guadalupe, Henderson, Hidalgo, Johnson, Milam, Montague, Rusk, Smith, Travis, Wichita, Williamson and Wise.

On May 29th, 2015, Individual Assistance was granted to Harris, Hays and Van Zandt counties. Public Assistance was granted to Cooke, Gaines, Grimes, Harris, Hays, Navarro and Van Zandt counties.

The extreme weather events have caused historic flooding and spawned tornadoes killing at least 24 people in the Lone Star State and destroying or damaging thousands of homes and vehicles, since May 5.

Emergency Disaster Proclamation expanded to 94 Texas Counties

Texas governor has now declared States of Disaster in 94 counties, as extreme weather events and deadly flash flooding leave trails of death and destruction across the state.

Governor Abbott expanded his Disaster Proclamations of May 11, May 15, May 25, May 26 and May 29, 2015, certifying that the extreme weather events have now caused a disaster in 94 Texas counties, he said on his website.

I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, issued Emergency Disaster Proclamations on May 11, May 15, May 25, May 26 and May 29, 2015, certifying that the severe weather, tornado and flooding event that began on May 4, 2015, has caused a disaster in many Texas counties. Disaster conditions persist in many parts of the state.

Water levels continue to rise in disaster areas

“We are concerned with additional risks since the level of the water is continuing to rise in areas already affected,” said Gov. Hutchinson.

Flooding has severely impacted SW Arkansas and areas along the Arkansas River.

“Severe storms, flooding and tornadoes beginning May 8, 2015 and continuing caused great damage to private property and public-facilities in various jurisdictions in Arkansas; and Adverse circumstances have been brought to bear upon the citizens and public properties within the State,” he said, extending the Disaster Declaration to include 27 counties.

Texas Declared Federal Disaster Area

The Disaster President has declared a major disaster exists in the State of Texas in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding during the period beginning on May 4, 2015 and continuing.

The damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and additional counties may be designated for assistance after the assessments are fully complete, said the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations.

This is the 19th Major Disaster Declaration proclaimed for the contiguous U.S., so far this year.

Extreme Weather Events

The extreme weather events have caused historic flooding and spawned tornadoes killing at least 24 people in the Lone Star State and destroying or damaging thousands of homes and vehicles, since May 5.

States of Disaster declared for 46 Texas counties

Deadly weather has killed at least 20 people in Texas and Oklahoma and left more than a dozen missing, said reports.

Gov. Abbott Extends the Disaster Declaration

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:

I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, issued Emergency Disaster Proclamations on May 11, May 15 and May 25, 2015, certifying that the severe weather, tornado and flooding event that began on May 4, 2015, has caused a disaster in many Texas counties. Severe weather, tornadoes and flooding continue in these and other counties in Texas.

Tsunami-like walls of water have destroyed homes and swept away people over the weekend in Central Texas.

“A record surge 44 feet high sped down the Blanco River late Sunday, demolishing homes and businesses, Hays County Commissioner Will Conley said. The previous record on the river was 32 feet, recorded in 1926,” said a report.

Floodwaters submerged large areas of Houston, the fourth-largest city in the US, destroying or damaging more than 4,000 homes.

Dozens of homes in in Hays County have been completely destroyed and more than 1,400 others damaged, said reports.

Oklahoma Gov. amends Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency for all 77 counties

“In light of continued storm and flooding damage over the weekend, Governor Fallin today amended an executive order declaring a state of emergency in 44 counties to a statewide emergency declaration. All 77 counties are now in a state of emergency. Under the executive order, state agencies can make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions,” said a statement issued by her office.

More severe storms, bringing additional rain, hail and tornadoes, are forecast to pound Oklahoma and Texas this week.

Twister devastates Mexican city of Ciudad Acuna

The Mexican city of Ciudad Acuna was devastated by a tornado which struck early Monday, killing at least 13 people.

The twister destroyed up to 800 homes (destruction toll varies between 200 and 800 properties) and damaged thousands more buildings.

The twister was the first ever to hit Ciudad Acuna since the city was founded more than 100 years ago, local media quoted the Mayor as saying.

Gov. Abbott Adds 24 Counties To Disaster Declaration

The governor of Texas has declared States of Disaster in 24 additional counties, bringing the total to 37, as severe weather and deadly flash flooding leave trails of destruction across the state.

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:

I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, issued an Emergency Disaster Proclamation on May 11, 2015, certifying that the severe weather, tornado and flooding event that began on May 4, 2015, has caused a disaster in Bosque, Clay, Denton, Eastland, Gaines, Montague and Van Zandt counties in the State of Texas. On May 15, 2015, I amended my proclamation of May 11, 2015, to include Cooke, Grimes, Hood, Navarro, Smith and Wise counties. Severe weather, tornadoes and flooding continue in these and other counties in Texas.

At least 5 people have been killed in Texas and Oklahoma, and more than a dozen are missing.

“This is the biggest flood this area of Texas has ever seen,” said Abbott.

“It is absolutely massive,” he said, describing the relentless power of the wave of water as “tsunami-like.”

The Lone Star State has also been pounded by tornadoes, heavy rain and thunderstorms that have forced mass evacuations.

Meantime, a 9-pm to 7-am curfew in Wimberley and San Marcos was extended for a second night on Monday, said Hays County officials.

Tornado kills 13 in Mexico-Texas border city

A tornado has swept through Ciudad Acuna, a city of 125,000 across from Del Rio, Texas, destroying homes and tossing cars. At least 13 people were killed, and five others reported as missing, officials said.

The twister, which has destroyed or damaged about 800 homes, was the first ever to hit Ciudad Acuna since the city was founded more than 100 years ago, local media quoted the Mayor as saying.

Flooding in Texas leaves more than 1,300 homes damaged or destroyed

Flooding in Texas town of San Marcos [pop: ~ 55,000] has left more than 1,300 homes damaged or destroyed, prompting the Hays County Judge to issue a disaster declaration.

“Once they told me the extent of damage and potential damage, we declared it a disaster area,” Judge Dr. Bert Cobb was quoted as saying.

“The flow and height is double what [it] was when it was at its highest in 1929,” said San Marcos Emergency Management Commander, describing the Blanco River that flows through San Marcos, said a report.

[The river crested at more than 13m (43ft), about 10m above the flood stage, and 2.1m higher than the 1929 record.]

At least three people have been killed and several reported as missing in flash flooding and severe storms across the region, officials said late on Sunday.

A man was killed in the floods that inundated San Marcos, and two others lost their lives in Oklahoma.

Thousands of people have been evacuated across the region.

Earlier, State of Disaster declared was also declared in Caldwell County, Texas as San Marcos River threatened to inundate the area.

A State of Emergency was declared for 44 Oklahoma counties on Saturday.

Severe weather in Houston caused an apartment building to collapse, injuring at least two people and severely damaging 10 of the 41 units, said the Houston Fire Department.

More severe weather and flooding rains possible on Memorial Day

Widespread strong to severe storms will be possible again on Memorial Day from south Texas across the Plains into the Midwest. Isolated tornadoes, damaging winds and hail are all possible especially across much of Texas. In addition, moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for parts of Texas, increasing the flash and river flooding concerns with an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain possible. [Source: NWS]

Flooding in Texas leaves more than 1,300 homes damaged or destroyed

Flooding in San Marcos [pop: ~ 55,000] has left more than 1,300 homes damaged or destroyed, prompting the Hays County Judge to issue a disaster declaration.

“Once they told me the extent of damage and potential damage, we declared it a disaster area,” Judge Dr. Bert Cobb was quoted as saying.

“The flow and height is double what [it] was when it was at its highest in 1929,” said San Marcos Emergency Management Commander, describing the Blanco River that flows through San Marcos, said a report.

[The river crested more than 13m (43ft), about 10m above the flood stage, and 2.1m higher than the 1929 record.]

At least two people have been killed in flash flooding and severe storms in the region, one each in Texas and Oklahoma, officials said on Sunday.

Earlier, State of Disaster declared was also declared in Caldwell County, Texas as San Marcos River threatened to inundate the area.

A State of Emergency was declared for 44 Oklahoma counties on Saturday.

More severe weather and flooding rains possible on Memorial Day

Widespread strong to severe storms will be possible again on Memorial Day from south Texas across the Plains into the Midwest. Isolated tornadoes, damaging winds and hail are all possible especially across much of Texas. In addition, moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for parts of Texas, increasing the flash and river flooding concerns with an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain possible. [Source: NWS]